ldoto
Feb 26, 2010, 11:30 PM
Green light given for $21M recycling plant
London city council has voted to go ahead with a $21.1 million for a recycling plant to b built by Miller Waste Systems Inc. of Markham.
The decision came after two hours of debate in a special committee of the whole meeting Friday.
In voting for the project that will be largely paid for with money from the federal gas tax, councillors brushed aside concerns that the province could change the recycling rules in legislation within months.
Mayor Anne Marie-DeCicco-Best said that if council waited until it was certain of every federal and provincial program it would be paralysed.
Arguing against approving the project, Deputy Mayor Tom Gosnell said there is too much uncertainty with Ontario planning to change the waste diversion act to put more onus on waste producers to handle their products.
"No one is putting a gun to our head saying we have to do something today," Gosnell said.
Others said it was time to move ahead after years of setting aside money.
The plan approved by council is to use a total of $17 million from the gas tax for the recycling plant. Waste Diversion Ontario is putting up $4.3 million.
In addition to handling London's recyclables, the plant is expected to process rcyclables from area municipalities, lowering the cost of the operation.
London city council has voted to go ahead with a $21.1 million for a recycling plant to b built by Miller Waste Systems Inc. of Markham.
The decision came after two hours of debate in a special committee of the whole meeting Friday.
In voting for the project that will be largely paid for with money from the federal gas tax, councillors brushed aside concerns that the province could change the recycling rules in legislation within months.
Mayor Anne Marie-DeCicco-Best said that if council waited until it was certain of every federal and provincial program it would be paralysed.
Arguing against approving the project, Deputy Mayor Tom Gosnell said there is too much uncertainty with Ontario planning to change the waste diversion act to put more onus on waste producers to handle their products.
"No one is putting a gun to our head saying we have to do something today," Gosnell said.
Others said it was time to move ahead after years of setting aside money.
The plan approved by council is to use a total of $17 million from the gas tax for the recycling plant. Waste Diversion Ontario is putting up $4.3 million.
In addition to handling London's recyclables, the plant is expected to process rcyclables from area municipalities, lowering the cost of the operation.